NEW YORK—A record number of use-of-force incidents at Rikers Island in 2014 may not mean inmates experienced more violence, according to president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, Norman Seabrook.
In a phone interview with the Epoch Times, Seabrook explained that the increase in reports is due to a requirement made by the city’s Correction Department to file a report each time an officer makes physical contact with an inmate, regardless of whether the inmate suffered any injuries.
“Any time an inmate is touched by an officer during a course of incident, he must file a use of force report,” said Seabrook.
“If nothing happened to the inmate and the officer, why are you writing the incident report?” said Seabrook, expressing frustration with the increased scrutiny of his officers by the city’s lawmakers. “In my view, it’s redundant and ridiculous,” he said, noting that he believes the issue is “being overplayed to cater to City Hall.”
Last August, the U.S. Department of Justice released a blistering report that documented systemic abuses against adolescent inmates at the city’s jail complex. The report found that correction officers frequently assaulted inmates and failed to report the use-of-force incident—or purposely misreported information to deflect responsibility.
Rikers Island More Violent? No, Just More Pepper Spraying, Says Correction Officer Union Head
A record number of use-of-force incidents at Rikers Island in 2014 may not mean inmates experienced more violence.
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In this May 17, 2011, file photo, a man walks near the sign at the entrance to the Rikers Island jail in New York. AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File
By Annie Wu
Updated:
Any time an inmate is touched by an officer during a course of incident, he must file a use of force report.
